forest floor

noun

: the richly organic layer of soil and debris characteristic of forested land

Examples of forest floor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The newer treehouses add another option, set slightly above the forest floor with large windows looking out into the canopy. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026 Bloody nose is a part of the lily family and can be found growing along the Boise River, stream banks and forest floors, according to Visit Idaho. Bruce Whiting, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026 The first wave of spring ephemerals has commenced, with colorful native wildflower blooms peering through the forest floor in Illinois. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 Don’t rake or drive a vehicle through the area as forest floors are typically where morels grow. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forest floor

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forest floor was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Forest floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forest%20floor. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

forest floor

noun
: the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land
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